Smith 'contemplating' running for leadership

MPP Todd Smith is on the cusp of contesting for a chance to lead Ontario’s Progressive Conservative Party in the June election.The last week has been a tumultuous go for Ontario’s official opposition, with leader Patrick Brown stepping down under controversial circumstances and expected frontrunner, interim leader Vic Fedeli, aborting his leadership aspirations.“I’m prepared, as far as having the credentials to do it,” said Smith.Amid the storm, in steps Smith who, with the blessing of his family and a sufficient commitment from financial backers, could officially announce his bid for the top job any day now. A major impediment is having the wherewithal to stave off the campaign of more well-off candidates. The race isn’t short of them, with Doug Ford already entering the fray and Caroline Mulroney said to be considering the idea.“It’s an expensive thing to get into the race,” Smith said. “There is a lot of money behind those people.”A leader will be selected March 24.“I was in full support of Vic Fedeli carrying the torch for the party as our leader in the next election,” Smith said. “That changed yesterday when Vic announced that he was not going to be seeking the full-time leadership job, he would just stay on as interim leader, to make sure we’re ready for the election.”When many other qualified suitors didn’t step up, the calls started to flood in that, “maybe it was a good idea that I did,” Smith said. “I’m contemplating.”He said none of the candidates rumoured to run, nor former Toronto councillor Doug Ford, who announced he would challenge for the leadership, have any proven track record.“None of them have any experience on the floor of the legislature,” said Smith, who has been an MPP for almost seven years. “There is a feeling that caucus should be represented in this race, given the fact that Vic is out. I’ve had a high profile on the energy file, holding the Liberals to account.”Smith, 47, has received some exposure from his role as the party’s energy critic, one of the most high-profile portfolios since the last election.He’s been getting a steady stream of support from both inside and outside the party.It has been a rocky few days for the party which was getting ready to roll out its slate of promises to Ontarians.“We had a platform that was vetted and ready,” Smith said. “We were ready to go and the executive decided that instead of taking the advice of our caucus they would open it up to a full leadership race. They had the right to do that. There are pros and cons to that decision. We’re 99 days now from the election so it’s not a lot of time to get reorganized and unite behind a candidate.”